Valvoline is a name many car owners trust, but if you have ever asked, Who owns Valvoline?, you are not alone. The answer was revised recently, and understanding the current ownership helps you make better decisions about where you service your vehicle and what oil you put in it.
Let’s break it down simply and clearly.
A Quick Overview: Valvoline’s Ownership Split
In 2022, Valvoline split into two separate businesses:
- Valvoline Inc. – This is the company that owns and manages Valvoline Instant Oil Change and Valvoline Express Care service centers. It is based in Lexington, Kentucky, and trades publicly on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: VVV).
- Valvoline Global Products – This is the business that makes and sells Valvoline-branded oils, lubricants, and chemicals.
Who Owns Valvoline Inc.?
Valvoline Inc. is a self-dependent, publicly traded United States company. That means it has no single owner; it’s owned by thousands of shareholders, including investment firms and everyday investors. You can even buy a piece yourself by purchasing its stock (ticker symbol: VVV).
This company runs over 1,700 quick-lube locations in the U.S. and is focused 100% on car maintenance services. In fact, after the business split, Valvoline Inc. has doubled down on being a pure-play automotive service company.
Who Owns Valvoline’s Products?
In 2023, Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, purchased Valvoline Global Products for $2.65 billion.
So now, Saudi Aramco owns all Valvoline motor oils, fluids, and lubricants. This includes the production, research, packaging, and global distribution of Valvoline-branded oil.
Here is the key part:
- Aramco owns the Valvoline brand name for products.
- Valvoline Inc. owns the Valvoline brand for service centers.
Both use the same brand, but in different ways.
What Does This Mean for Car Owners?
Even though Valvoline is now divided between two companies, the customer experience remains seamless. If you visit a Valvoline oil change shop, it’s still run by Valvoline Inc., an American company. And most of the oil they use still carries the Valvoline label, now made under Aramco’s ownership.
Here’s what matters to you:
- Same Brand, Two Owners: The oil is from Aramco, the service is from Valvoline Inc.
- Still Reliable: Aramco is committed to maintaining the same Valvoline quality. The product formulas didn’t change.
- More Focused Service: Valvoline Inc. is now 100% focused on quick, high-quality car maintenance in the U.S.
You likely won’t notice any change as a customer, but it’s helpful to know where your oil comes from and who’s behind it.
Quick Timeline of Valvoline’s Ownership
- 1866: Valvoline was founded in the U.S.
- 1949: Bought by Ashland Inc.
- 2016: Spun off from Ashland, becomes Valvoline Inc.
- 2023: Saudi Aramco acquires Valvoline’s product business.
Final Takeaway
As of 2025, Valvoline is split between two major companies:
- Valvoline Inc. runs the service centers in the U.S. and is publicly traded.
- Saudi Aramco owns the Valvoline oil brand globally.
Both parts still carry the trusted Valvoline name, but now you know exactly who’s behind it.
FAQ's About Valvoline Ownership
Yes and no. Valvoline Inc., which runs the service centers, is American and headquartered in Kentucky. Saudi Aramco owns the product side.
No. Aramco only bought Valvoline Global Products (motor oils, fluids). Valvoline Inc., an American company, still owns the retail service business.
Saudi Aramco owns and manufactures Valvoline-branded lubricants globally.
Yes. Valvoline Inc. trades on the NYSE under the ticker VVV.
About The Author
Nikhil Sahu
Nikhil Sahu is an automotive expert with extensive industry experience who manages multiple blogs, including one focused on providing detailed guides and reviews, such as those on Valvoline. Nikhil aims to help car enthusiasts and everyday drivers make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance, products, and automotive technology.
